We’ve all heard of situations where a customer has bought LVT flooring from a flooring shop and decided to let their builder, or their builder’s “floor layer”, install it.
It’s something we come across regularly at Bay Carpets, particularly with home renovations, extensions and new build properties across Kent.
More often than not, when something goes wrong, it ends up with an unhappy customer, and quite often we’re asked to come and put things right. In some cases, the problems are so bad that the entire floor needs to be replaced.
So the question is, should your builder be installing your LVT flooring in the first place?
In my opinion, unless they’re a properly trained and experienced flooring installer, the answer is no.
Now, that’s not to say builders aren’t skilled at what they do. Far from it. But flooring is a specialist trade, just like bricklaying, plumbing or electrics.
Yes, I could probably lay a few bricks and build a wall, but would it meet British Standards? Would it be straight, structurally sound and last for many years? Probably not!
But I know I can lay a floor. That’s my trade, and I’ve spent the last 10 years learning, attending training courses, gaining certificates and improving my fitting skills. I’ve even been fortunate enough to win J2 Flooring’s Installation of the Month award.
The point is simple. Builders should be left to do what they do best, and flooring specialists should be left to do what they do best.
Why is LVT flooring a specialist trade?
One thing many homeowners don’t realise is just how much work goes into fitting luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring properly. It’s not simply a case of spreading some adhesive and sticking a few planks down.
A large part of the work happens before the flooring is even installed. We need to assess the subfloor, check moisture levels, select the correct preparation products and make sure everything is suitable for the LVT being fitted.
Then there’s the installation itself: setting out the floor, planning the layout, working around door frames and kitchen units, and making sure the finished floor looks right.
This is particularly important with herringbone LVT flooring, where even a small mistake in the setting out can affect the whole room.
Whether we’re fitting LVT flooring in a new build home in Ashford, a kitchen renovation in Hythe or a property refurbishment in New Romney, the same principles apply.
Get the preparation wrong, and it doesn’t matter how expensive your LVT is. Problems can soon start appearing.
What problems can poor LVT installation cause?
Over the years, we’ve seen our fair share of flooring problems, and many could have been avoided with the correct preparation and installation.
Some of the most common issues include planks lifting, gaps appearing, uneven finishes, visible imperfections in the subfloor and adhesive failures.
One of the biggest mistakes is installing LVT over a subfloor that hasn’t been properly tested or prepared. For example, if there’s too much moisture in a concrete subfloor and the correct precautions haven’t been taken, it can lead to adhesive failure and the flooring lifting.
This is particularly important in new build properties, where concrete and screeded floors may still contain moisture even though the rest of the property looks ready.
Unfortunately, these problems aren’t always easy to repair. Sometimes the only proper solution is to remove the flooring, prepare the subfloor correctly and start again. That’s an expensive mistake for the homeowner.
Four common questions about LVT flooring installation
1. Can my builder install LVT flooring?
Technically, yes. There’s nothing stopping a builder from installing LVT flooring, provided they have the necessary knowledge and skills.
However, our recommendation would always be to use an experienced LVT flooring specialist who understands subfloor preparation, moisture testing and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. Just because someone can lay flooring doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doing it correctly.
2. Will my LVT warranty still be valid if my builder installs it?
Potentially, yes, but this is where things can become complicated.
Most LVT manufacturers require their flooring to be installed in line with their instructions, including the correct subfloor preparation, adhesives and installation methods. If the flooring fails because it hasn’t been installed correctly, the manufacturer may reject a warranty claim relating to that failure.
It’s also worth remembering that a product warranty and an installation guarantee are two different things. Your statutory consumer rights may also apply separately.
3. Is it cheaper to let my builder install the flooring?
Sometimes the initial price might be cheaper, particularly if your builder is already working at the property. However, it’s important to compare exactly what’s included.
Has the subfloor been moisture tested? Is the correct preparation included? Are the right adhesives being used? And who is responsible if something goes wrong?
A cheaper installation isn’t necessarily better value if the flooring needs repairing or replacing a few years later.
4. Why should I use a specialist LVT flooring installer?
Because flooring is what we do every day.
An experienced installer understands the different products, subfloors, preparation methods and potential problems that can occur. They also know how to achieve a professional finish, particularly with more detailed installations such as herringbone flooring.
Good installation isn’t just about how the floor looks when it’s finished. It’s about how well it performs over the years.
Professional LVT flooring installation in New Romney, Ashford, Hythe and Folkestone
At Bay Carpets, we supply and professionally install luxury vinyl tile flooring for homeowners, builders and property developers throughout Kent.
Based at our flooring showroom in New Romney, we regularly work across Romney Marsh, Ashford, Hythe, Folkestone, Dymchurch, Lydd, Tenterden and the surrounding areas.
From wood-effect LVT and herringbone flooring to stone-effect luxury vinyl tiles, we help customers choose the right product for their property and make sure it’s installed correctly.
Our experience covers both domestic and commercial flooring, so we understand the importance of choosing the right products, preparing subfloors properly and delivering a quality finish.
Our advice at Bay Carpets
If you’re renovating your home, building an extension or moving into a new build property, our advice is simple: let the specialists do their job.
A good builder should have no problem working alongside a professional flooring company. In fact, we regularly work with builders and developers across Kent to make sure flooring is installed at the correct stage of a project.
We’re a local, family-run flooring business with real hands-on fitting experience, and we take pride in doing the job properly.
Whether it’s LVT flooring for a kitchen in Folkestone, a new build home in Ashford or a complete ground floor renovation in Hythe, we believe proper preparation and professional installation are just as important as the flooring itself.
Looking for experienced LVT flooring fitters in Kent?
If you’re considering LVT flooring for your home, we’d be happy to help you choose the right product and make sure it’s installed properly.
We offer a free home measure and quotation, along with honest advice on the flooring options best suited to your home and budget.
Visit our New Romney flooring showroom, call us on 01303 870999 or get in touch with our team today.
